Policies and Procedures

Purpose of Policy

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that when an accident occurs at Sunshine Preschool, appropriate action is taken, and accurate information is recorded and communicated. An accident is classed as an accidental occurrence which has resulted in an injury to one or more persons. 

Who is responsible

It is the responsibility of every member of staff to ensure that accidents and injuries are dealt with in a timely manner. It is the responsibility of the owner and managers to ensure that all members of staff have knowledge of first aid and that there is always at least one member of staff on duty who has a valid first aid certificate.

It is the responsibility of the member of staff who has administered the first aid to write the accident report and ensure that it is signed by the parent or carer of the child or children involved.

All members of staff have a responsibility to ensure that management is informed when items from the first aid box are used. A system of recording is in place to ensure that the first aid box is checked on a regular basis.

How the policy is implemented

The manager or deputy manager must ensure that at least 1 member of staff on duty has a valid first aid certificate. 

The manager, deputy manager and business manager are responsible for making sure that all medical information and emergency contact details on the children's registration documents are up to date and accurate.

When an accident occurs, it is the responsibility of the first aider to determine whether the injury can be dealt with in the setting or if medical assistance is required. Emergency services will be called, and management must be informed.

Minor Injuries

• If the injury is minor, the first aider should address the injury. Parents/carers are sent a text message informing them of the accident and injury and the treatment given. An accident record form will also be completed detailing the child’s name, date, and time, how the accident occurred, and treatment given. This will be signed by the first aider. 
• A telephone call is made to the parent/carer regarding any head injuries explaining the accident and advise is given regarding injury/recovery.
• A telephone call is made to parent/carer of both children involved in any biting incidents. This incident is explained to the parent/carer, and we talk through our biting procedures. The ‘biting’ child is not named.
• The parent/carer will sign the accident form on arrival of collection.
• In more serious cases, a body map form will be used to record the details of the injury.
• On some occasions, accidents will be shared with families at collection time if we are unable to send a text for any reason.
• If a minor injury/incident requires medical assistance, the first aider will call parent/carer and advise to collect child and/or take them to their doctor surgery.

Serious Accidents or Injuries

If the injury is serious and hospital treatment is required, a member of staff should call an ambulance immediately and if necessary a member of staff should accompany the child to the hospital. The child’s registration form containing medical information should accompany them to the hospital. A member of staff should inform the parent/carer of the child (or an emergency contact) immediately and inform them of the accident and what hospital the child has been taken to.

Safeguarding and Welfare Requirement: Child Protection

Providers must have and implement a policy, and procedures, to safeguard children.

Policy statement

Our setting will work with children, parents and the community to ensure the rights and safety of children and to give them the very best start in life. Our Safeguarding Policy is based on the three key commitments of the Pre-school Learning Alliance Safeguarding Children Policy.

Procedures

We carry out the following procedures to ensure we meet the three key commitments of the Alliance Safeguarding Children Policy.

Key commitment 1

We are committed to building a 'culture of safety' in which children are protected from abuse and harm in all areas of our service delivery.

• Group provision: Our designated persons who co-ordinates child protection issues are:

DAWN MOSELEY & EMMA HUTCHINSON 

• Our designated officers (members of the management team) who oversees this work are:

DAWN MOSELEY & EMMA HUTCHINSON 

• We ensure all staff are trained to understand our safeguarding policies and procedures and that parents are made aware of them too.
• All staff have an up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding issues.
• Adequate and appropriate staffing resources are provided to meet the needs of children.
• Applicants for posts within the setting are clearly informed that the positions are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
• Enhanced criminal records and barred lists checks and other suitability checks are carried out for staff and volunteers prior to their post being confirmed, to ensure that no disqualified person or unsuitable person works at the setting or has access to the children.
• Where applications are rejected based on information disclosed, applicants have the right to know and to challenge incorrect information.
• Enhanced criminal records and barred lists checks are carried out on anyone living or working on the premises.
• Volunteers do not work unsupervised.
• Information is recorded about staff qualifications and the identity checks and vetting processes that have been completed including:

1. the criminal records disclosure reference number
2. the date the disclosure was obtained & details of who obtained it

• All staff and volunteers are informed that they are expected to disclose any convictions, cautions, court orders or reprimands and warnings which may affect their suitability to work with children (whether received before or during their employment with us).
• We notify the Disclosure and Barring Service of any person who is dismissed from our employment or resigns in circumstances that would otherwise have led to dismissal for reasons of a child protection concern.
• Procedures are in place to record the details of visitors to the setting.
• Security steps are taken to ensure that we have control over who comes into the setting so that no unauthorised person has unsupervised access to the children.
• Steps are taken to ensure children are not photographed or filmed on video for any other purpose than to record their development or their participation in events organised by us. Parents sign a consent form and have access to records holding visual images of their child.

e-safety

• Laptops, computers & tablets will be password protected.
• Parents/carers and visitors are not to use mobile phones or any other form of photographic equipment while on pre-school premises, unless they are advised that they can do so i.e. for special occasions such as a Christmas party. Any photos taken MUST NOT be put onto any social media networks such as Facebook or Twitter.  
• We have a pre-school camera on the premises which is for staff to take photos for the children’s Learning Journals or the pre-school website with parent’s permission. They are not for publication on any social media networks such as Facebook or Twitter. 
• In extreme circumstances we reserve the right to withdraw your place.
• If any photos are taken for special occasions or any other reason, these MUST NOT be put onto social media sites.   
• Children’s Learning Journals can only be taken home by their parents/carers/practitioners and must be signed in and out to ensure the safety of where the journal is at all times and with Ofsted having given general approval. 
• Learning Journals to be kept on the premises (unless approved as stated above). 
• Staff cannot be friends with parents/carers on any social media network sites.   
• Our e-safety representatives are:

DAWN MOSELEY & EMMA HUTCHINSON 

Key commitment 2

Any work related incidents or social outings MUST NOT be put onto any social media networks such as Facebook or Twitter. We are committed to responding promptly and appropriately to all incidents or concerns of abuse that may occur and to work with statutory agencies in accordance with the procedures that are set down in 'What to do if you’re worried a child is being abused' (HMG 2006).

Responding to suspicions of abuse

We acknowledge that abuse of children can take different forms - physical, emotional and sexual, as well as neglect.

• When children are suffering from physical, sexual or emotional abuse, or experiencing neglect, this may be demonstrated through:

- significant changes in their behaviour & deterioration in their general well-being

- their comments which may give cause for concern, or the things they say (direct or indirect disclosure)

- changes in their appearance, their behaviour, or their play

- unexplained bruising, marks or signs of possible abuse or neglect

- any reason to suspect neglect or abuse outside the setting.

• We take into account factors affecting parental capacity, such as social exclusion, domestic violence, parent’s drug or alcohol abuse, mental or physical illness or parent’s learning disability.
• We are aware of other factors that affect children’s vulnerability such as, abuse of disabled children; fabricated or induced illness; child abuse linked to beliefs in spirit possession; sexual exploitation of children, such as through internet abuse and Female Genital Mutilation all of which may affect, or may have affected, children and young people using our provision.
• We also make ourselves aware that some children and young people are affected by gang activity, by complex, multiple or organised abuse, through forced marriage or honour based violence or may be victims of child trafficking. While this may be less likely to affect young children in our care, we may become aware of any of these factors affecting older children and young people who we may come into contact with.
• Where we believe that a child in our care or that is known to us may be affected by any of these factors we follow the procedures below for reporting child protection concerns.
• Where such evidence is apparent, the child's key person makes a dated record of the details of the concern and discusses what to do with the member of staff who is acting as the 'designated person'. The information is stored on the child's personal file.
• We refer concerns to the local authority children’s social care department and co-operate fully in any subsequent investigation. N.B. In some cases this may mean the police or another agency identified by the Local Safeguarding Children Board.
• We take care not to influence the outcome either through the way we speak to children or by asking questions of children.
• We take account of the need to protect young people aged 16-19 as defined by the Children Act 1989. This may include students or school children on work placement, young employees or young parents. Where abuse is suspected we follow the procedure for reporting any other child protection concerns. The views of the young person will always be taken into account, but the setting may override the young person’s refusal to consent to share information if it feels that it is necessary to prevent a crime from being committed or intervene where one may have been, or to prevent harm to a child or adult. Sharing confidential information without consent is done only where not sharing it could be worse than the outcome of having shared it.

Recording suspicions of abuse and disclosures

• Where a child makes comments to a member of staff that give cause for concern (disclosure), or a member of staff observes signs or signals that give cause for concern, such as significant changes in behaviour; deterioration in general well-being, unexplained bruising, marks or signs of possible abuse or neglect, then that member of staff must:

- listen to the child, offers reassurance and gives assurance that she or he will take action

- does not question the child

- makes a written record that forms an objective record of the observation or disclosure that includes the date and time of the observation or the disclosure; the exact words spoken by the child as far as possible; the name of the person to whom the concern was reported, with the date and time; the names of any other person present at the time.

• These records are signed and dated and kept in the child's personal file, which is kept securely and confidentially.
• The member of staff acting as the 'designated person' is informed of the issue at the earliest opportunity.
• Where the Local Safeguarding Children Board stipulates the process for recording and sharing concerns, we include those procedures alongside this procedure and follow the steps set down by the Local Safeguarding Children Board.

Making a referral to the local authority children's social care team

• The Pre-school Learning Alliance's publication Safeguarding Children contains procedures for making a referral to the local children's social care team, as well as a template form for recording concerns and making a referral. 
• We keep a copy of this document alongside the procedures for recording and reporting set down by our Local Safeguarding Children Board, which we follow where local procedures differ from those of the Pre-school Learning Alliance.

Informing parents

• Parents are normally the first point of contact. Concerns are discussed with parents to gain their view of events, unless it is felt that this may put the child in greater danger.
• Parents are informed when we make a record of concerns in their child’s file and that we also make a note of any discussion we have with them regarding a concern.
• If a suspicion of abuse warrants referral to social care, parents are informed at the same time that the referral will be made, except where the guidance of the Local Safeguarding Children Board does not allow this, for example, where it is believed that the child may be placed in greater danger.
• This will usually be the case where the parent is the likely abuser. In these cases the social workers will inform parents.

Liaison with other agencies

• We work within the Local Safeguarding Children Board guidelines.
• The current version of 'What to do if you’re worried a child is being abused' available for parents and staff and all staff are familiar with what they need to do if they have concerns.
• We have procedures for contacting the local authority regarding child protection issues, including maintaining a list of names, addresses and telephone numbers of social workers, to ensure that it is easy, in any emergency, for the setting and children's social care to work well together.
• We notify Ofsted of any incident or accident and any changes in our arrangements which may affect the well-being of children or where an allegation of abuse is made against a member of staff (whether the allegations relate to harm or abuse committed on our premises or elsewhere). Notifications to Ofsted are made as soon as is reasonably practicable, but at the latest within 14 days of the allegations being made.
• Contact details for the local National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) are also kept.

Allegations against staff

• We ensure that all parents know how to complain about the behaviour or actions of staff or volunteers within the setting, or anyone living or working on the premises occupied by the setting, which may include an allegation of abuse.
• We respond to any inappropriate behaviour displayed by members of staff, volunteer or any other person living or working on the premises, which includes:

- inappropriate sexual comments;

- excessive one-to-one attention beyond the requirements of their usual role and responsibilities, or inappropriate sharing of images.

- We co-operate entirely with any investigation carried out by children’s social care in conjunction with the police.

• We follow the guidance of the Local Safeguarding Children Board when responding to any complaint that a member of staff or volunteer within the setting, or anyone living or working on the premises occupied by the setting, has abused a child.
• We respond to any disclosure by children or staff that abuse by a member of staff or volunteer within the setting, or anyone living or working on the premises occupied by the setting, may have taken, or is taking place, by first recording the details of any such alleged incident.
• We refer any such complaint immediately to the Local Authority Designated Officer 

(LADO) to investigate. Call customer services on 0300-123-4043.

• We also report any such alleged incident to Ofsted, as well as what measures we have taken. We are aware that it is an offence not to do this.
• Where the management team and children’s social care agree it is appropriate in the circumstances, the member of staff or volunteer will be suspended for the duration of the investigation. This is not an indication of admission that the alleged incident has taken place, but is to protect the staff, as well as children and families throughout the process.

Disciplinary action

Where a member of staff or volunteer has been dismissed due to engaging in activities that caused concern for the safeguarding of children or vulnerable adults, we will notify the Disclosure and Barring Service of relevant information, so that individuals who pose a threat to children and vulnerable groups can be identified and barred from working with these groups.

Key commitment 3

We are committed to promoting awareness of child abuse issues throughout our training and learning programmes for adults. We are also committed to empowering young children, through our early childhood curriculum, promoting their right to be strong, resilient and listened to.

Training

• Training opportunities are sought for all adults involved in the setting to ensure that they are able to recognise the signs and signals of possible physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse and neglect and that they are aware of the local authority guidelines for making referrals.
• Designated persons DAWN MOSELEY & EMMA HUTCHINSON receive training in accordance with that recommended by the Local Safeguarding Children Board.
• We ensure that all staff know the procedures for reporting and recording any concerns they may have about the provision.

Planning

• The layout of the rooms allows for constant supervision. No child is left alone with staff or volunteers in a one-to-one situation without being visible to others.

Curriculum

• We introduce key elements of keeping children safe into our programme to promote the personal, social and emotional development of all children, so that they may grow to be strong, resilient and listened to and so that they develop an understanding of why and how to keep safe.
• We create within the setting a culture of value and respect for individuals, having positive regard for children's heritage arising from their colour, ethnicity, languages spoken at home, cultural and social background.
• We ensure that this is carried out in a way that is developmentally appropriate for the children.

Confidentiality

• All suspicions and investigations are kept confidential and shared only with those who need to know. Any information is shared under the guidance of the Local Safeguarding Children Board.

Support to families

• We believe in building trusting and supportive relationships with families, staff and volunteers.
• We make clear to parents our role and responsibilities in relation to child protection, such as for the reporting of concerns, information sharing, monitoring of the child, and liaising at all times with the local children’s social care team.
• We will continue to welcome the child and the family whilst investigations are being made in relation to any alleged abuse.
• We follow the Child Protection Plan as set by the child’s social care worker in relation to the setting's designated role and tasks in supporting that child and their family, subsequent to any investigation.
• Confidential records kept on a child are shared with the child's parents or those who have parental responsibility for the child in accordance with the Confidentiality and Client Access to Records procedure and only if appropriate under the guidance of the Local Safeguarding Children Board.

The Prevent Duty – Terrorism

Our setting will work with children, parents and the community to ensure the rights and safety of children. The 

Prevent Strategy, published by the Government in 2011, is part of our overall counter-terrorism strategy 

CONTEST. The aim of the Prevent strategy is to reduce the threat to the UK from terrorism by stopping people 

becoming terrorists or Supporting terrorism. In the Act this has simply been expressed as the need to “prevent 

people from being drawn into terrorism”.

Procedures

The 2011 Prevent strategy has three specific strategic objectives:

• Respond to the ideological challenge of terrorism and the threat we face from those who promote it;
• Prevent people from being drawn into terrorism and ensure that they are given appropriate advice and support
• Work with sectors and institutions where there are risks of radicalisation that we need to address.

Prevent work depends on effective partnership. To demonstrate effective compliance with this, specified 

authorities must demonstrate evidence of productive co-operation, in particular with local Prevent co-ordinators, 

the police and local authorities and co-ordination through existing multi-agency forums, for example Community 

Safety. We are committed to building a 'culture of safety' in which children are protected from the possibility of 

terrorism and harm in all areas of our service delivery and will therefore endeavour to liaise with the necessary 

authorities if there is suspicion of such extremist movements. 

Legal framework

Primary legislation

• Children Act (1989 s47)
• Protection of Children Act (1999)
• Data Protection Act (1998)
• The Children Act (Every Child Matters) (2004) 
• Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act (2006)

Secondary legislation

• Sexual Offences Act (2003)
• Criminal Justice and Court Services Act (2000)
• Equalities Act (2010) & Data Protection Act (1998) Non Statutory Guidance

Further guidance

• Working Together to Safeguard Children (2013) 
• What to do if you’re Worried a Child is Being Abused (HMG 2006)
• Framework for the Assessment of Children in Need and their Families (DoH 2000)
• The Common Assessment Framework for Children and Young People: A Guide for Practitioners (CWDC 2010)
• Statutory guidance on making arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of children under section 11 of the Children Act 2004 (HMG 2007)
• Information Sharing: Guidance for Practitioners and Managers (HMG 2008) (HMG 2006)
• Disclosure and Barring Service: www.gov.uk/disclosure-barring-service-check

Other useful Pre-school Learning Alliance publications

• Safeguarding Children (2013)

Contact details Hertfordshire Safeguarding Children Board:

HSCB Office

Room 127

County Hall

Hertford

Hertfordshire

SG13 8DF

Telephone: 01992-588757

Fax: 01992-588201

Email: admin.lscb@hertsscc.gov.uk

Web address: www.hertssafeguarding.org.uk

Safeguarding and Welfare Requirement: Staff Qualifications, Training, Support and Skills

Providers must ensure that all staff receive induction training to help them understand their roles and responsibilities.

Policy statement

When recruiting we advertise online. Chosen applicants are invited in for an interview. If successful the applicant will be asked to visit our setting to meet staff and children. They will have to provide 2 referees and proof of their experience and qualifications in early years. 

We provide an induction for all employees and volunteers in order to fully brief them about the setting, the families we serve, our policies and procedures, curriculum and daily practice.

Procedures

• We have a written induction plan for all new staff, which includes the following:

- Introductions to all employees and volunteers. 

- Familiarisation with the building, health and safety and fire and evacuation procedures.

- Ensuring our policies and procedures are read and adhered to.

- Introduction to the parents, especially parents of allocated key children where appropriate.

- Familiarisation with confidential information in relation to any key children where applicable.

- Details of the tasks and daily routines to be completed.

• The induction period lasts at least two weeks. The manager inducts new employees and volunteers. 
• During the induction period, the individual must demonstrate understanding of and compliance with policies, procedures, tasks and routines.
• Successful completion of the induction forms part of the probationary period.
• Following induction, we continue to support our staff to deliver high quality performance through regular supervision and appraisal of their work.

Supervisions

Managers meet members of staff for 2 supervisions per year to support them in the setting. This is to share information regarding wellbeing, progress and any other issues.

Purpose of policy

We aim to provide care for healthy children through preventing cross infection of viruses and bacterial infections and promote health through identifying allergies and preventing contact with the allergenic trigger.

Who is responsible 

It is the responsibility of management to ensure that any children, parents, and members of staff who have a contagious illness are excluded from the nursery for the recommended period. The manager/ deputy manager has a responsibility to inform parents and carers when their child enters the setting with a contagious illness. They must also inform all parents if there has been a case of a contagious illness in the setting maintaining the anonymity of all children and staff involved.

Procedures for children who are sick or infectious

• If children appear unwell during the day i.e. if they have a temperature, sickness, diarrhoea or pains, particularly in the head or stomach, a manager will call the parents and ask them to collect the child, or to send a known carer to collect the child on their behalf.
• Excluding children and members of staff with infectious illnesses and infections for the recommended period.
• If a course of anti-biotics has been started, your child must stay at home ¬t return to pre-school until at least 72 hours from the first dose being ministered.  
• If a child has a temperature, they are kept cool by removing top clothing and sponging their heads with cool water. A child’s temperature will be taken with the appropriate tool i.e. a temperature gun.
• In extreme cases of emergency, an ambulance is requested and the parent/carer informed.
• Parents are asked to take their child to the doctor before returning them to the setting. We can refuse admittance to children who have a temperature, sickness and diarrhoea or a contagious infection or disease.
• Where children have been prescribed antibiotics for an infectious illness or complaint, we ask parents to keep them at home for at least 72 hours before returning to the setting.
• After sickness and diarrhoea, we ask parents keep children home for 48 hours following the last episode.
• If your child is not themselves/under the weather, please keep your child at home as preschool is a very busy and noisy environment. Home is the best place for them!

The following are the types of infections that would be reported to parents and staff:

- Sickness/ diarrhoea – 48 hours after last bout

- Head Lice – Report to parents/carers to treat at home before returning 

- Measles – When rash appears, to stay off for 7 days 

- Chicken Pox – Exclusion for 5 days or until spots have scabbed over 

- Mumps – 5 days after onset of swelling 

- Meningitis – Exclusion length is dependent on each individual case 

- Whooping Cough – 5 days after first dose of antibiotics – if not treated, exclusion for 21 days 

- Hand Foot & Mouth – Exclusion until blisters have dried up and no fever for 24 hours

- Scarlet Fever – 72 hours after first dose of antibiotics 

- Impetigo – 72 hours if treated with antibiotics/cream, or until scabbed over 

- Shingles – Until rash has dried out and not weeping, exclusion length all dependant on each case

- Conjunctivitis – Report to parents/carers to treat at home. If child has severe case, exclusion may happen. Needs to be discussed with preschool

- Threadworm – Can return once treatment has been received 

- Ringworm – Exclusion for 5 days after treatment has commenced 

- Flu – Exclusion until clinically well 

- Slapped cheek – highly infectious. Keep child home and seek medical advice and inform preschool to discuss a return

- Tonsillitis - highly infectious. 72 hours after first does of antibiotics

- Croup – At least 72 hours off from start of infection.

Antibiotics for any infection is a 72 hour window from the first dose administered.

Reporting of ‘notifiable diseases’

• If a child or adult is diagnosed as suffering from a notifiable disease under the Health Protection (Notification) Regulations 2010, the GP will report this to the Health Protection Agency.
• When we become aware, or are formally informed of the notifiable disease, our manager informs Ofsted and the local Health Protection Agency, and acts on any advice given.

HIV/AIDS/Hepatitis procedure

HIV virus, like other viruses such as Hepatitis A, B and C, are spread through body fluids. Hygiene precautions for dealing with body fluids are the same for all children and adults and we:

• Wear single-use vinyl gloves and aprons when changing children’s nappies, pants and clothing that are soiled with blood, urine, faeces or vomit.
• Use protective rubber gloves for cleaning/sluicing clothing after changing.
• Soiled clothing will be placed in a bag for parents to collect. 
• Clear spills of blood, urine, faeces or vomit using mild disinfectant solution and mops; any cloths used are disposed of with the clinical waste.
• Clean any tables and other furniture, furnishings or toys affected by blood, urine, faeces or vomit using a disinfectant.

Insurance requirements for children with allergies and disabilities

• If necessary, our insurance will include children with any disability or allergy, but certain procedures must be strictly adhered to as set out below. For children suffering life threatening conditions or requiring invasive treatments; written confirmation from our insurance provider must be obtained to extend the insurance.
• At all times we ensure that the administration of medication is compliant with the Safeguarding and Welfare Requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

• Oral medication:

- Asthma inhalers are now regarded as ‘oral medication’ by insurers and so documents do not need to be forwarded to our insurance provider. Oral medications must be prescribed by a GP or have manufacturer’s instructions clearly written on them.

- We must be provided with clear written instructions on how to administer such medication.

- We adhere to all risk assessment procedures for the correct storage and administration of the medication.

- We must have the parents/carers prior written consent. This consent must be kept on file. It is not necessary to forward copy documents to our insurance provider.

• Life-saving medication and invasive treatments:

These include adrenaline injections (Epipens) for anaphylactic shock reactions (caused by allergies to nuts, eggs etc.) or invasive treatments such as rectal administration of Diazepam (for epilepsy).

• A letter from the child's GP/consultant stating the child's condition and what medication if any is to be administered;
• Written consent from the parent or guardian allowing our staff to administer medication; and
• Proof of training in the administration of such medication by the child's GP, a district nurse, children’s nurse specialist or a community paediatric nurse.

- Copies of all three documents relating to these children must first be sent to the Pre-school Learning Alliance Insurance Department for appraisal. Written confirmation that the insurance has been extended will be issued by return.

• Key person for special needs children requiring assistance with tubes to help them with everyday living e.g. breathing apparatus, to take nourishment, colostomy bags etc.

- Prior written consent must be obtained from the child's parent or guardian to give treatment and/or medication prescribed by the child's GP.

- The key person must have the relevant medical training/experience, which may include receiving appropriate instructions from parents or guardians.

- Copies of all letters relating to these children must first be sent to the Pre-school Learning Alliance Insurance Department for appraisal. Written confirmation that the insurance has been extended will be issued by return.

If we are unsure about any aspect, we contact the Pre-school Learning Alliance Insurance Department on 020 7697 2585 or email membership@pre-school.org.uk/insert details of your insurance provider.

Safeguarding and Welfare Requirement: Safety and Suitability of Premises, Environment and Equipment

Providers must take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of children, staff and others on the premises.

Health

The provider must promote the good health of children attending the setting.

Policy statement

We believe that the health and safety of children is of paramount importance. We make our setting a safe and healthy place for children, parents, staff, volunteers and visitors. We aim to:

• Make children, parents, staff, volunteers and visitors aware of health and safety issues and to minimise the hazards and risks to enable the children to thrive in a healthy and safe environment.
• Our member of staff responsible for health and safety is:

DAWN MOSELEY

• She is competent to carry out these responsibilities.
• She has undertaken health and safety training and updates her knowledge and understanding.
• We display the necessary health and safety poster in:

THE ENTRANCE HALL

Insurance cover

We have public and employers' liability insurance. The certificate for public liability insurance is displayed in:

THE ENTRANCE HALL

Procedures

Awareness raising

• Our induction training for staff and volunteers includes a clear explanation of health and safety issues, so that all adults are able to adhere to our policy and procedures as they understand their shared responsibility for health and safety. The induction training covers matters of employee well-being, including safe lifting and the storage of potentially dangerous substances.
• We keep records of these induction training sessions and new staff and volunteers are asked to sign the records to confirm that they have taken part.
• We explain health and safety issues to the parents of new children, so that they understand the part played by these issues in the daily life of the setting.
• As necessary, health and safety training is included in the annual training plans of staff, and health and safety is discussed regularly at our staff meetings.
• We conduct a no-smoking policy.
• We make children aware of health and safety issues through discussions, planned activities and routines.

Windows

• Low level windows are made from materials that prevent accidental breakage. 
• Our windows above the ground floor are secured so that children cannot climb through them.

Doors

• We take precautions to prevent children's fingers from being trapped in doors.

Floors and walkways

• All our floor surfaces are checked daily to ensure they are clean and not uneven, wet or damaged. Any wet spills are mopped up immediately.
• Walkways and stairs are left clear and uncluttered.

Electrical/gas equipment

• We ensure that all electrical/gas equipment conforms to safety requirements and is checked regularly.
• Our boiler/electrical switch gear/meter cupboard is not accessible to the children.
• Fires, heaters, electric sockets, wires and leads are properly guarded. 
• We check storage heaters daily to make sure they are not covered.
• There are sufficient sockets in our setting to prevent overloading.
• We switch electrical devices off from the plug after use.
• We ensure that the temperature of hot water is controlled to prevent scalds.
• Lighting and ventilation is adequate in all areas of our setting, including storage areas.

Storage

• All our resources and materials, which are used by the children, are stored safely.
• All our equipment and resources are stored or stacked safely to prevent them accidentally falling or collapsing.

Outdoor area

• Our outdoor area is securely fenced. All gates and fences are childproof and safe.
• Our outdoor area is checked for safety and cleared of rubbish, animal droppings and any other unsafe items before it is used.
• Adults and children are alerted to the dangers of poisonous plants, herbicides and pesticides.
• We leave receptacles upturned to prevent collection of rainwater. Where water can form a pool on equipment, it is emptied and cleaned before children start playing outside.
• Our outdoor sand pit is covered when not in use and is cleaned regularly.
• We check that children are suitably attired for the weather conditions and type of outdoor activities. We inform parents/carers to apply suncream and hats are worn during the summer months.
• We supervise outdoor activities at all times and in particular children on climbing equipment.

Hygiene

• We seek information from the Health Protection Agency to ensure that we keep up-to-date with the latest recommendations.
• Our daily routines encourage the children to learn about personal hygiene.
• We have a daily cleaning routine for the setting, which includes the play room(s), kitchen, rest area, toilets and nappy changing areas. Children do not have unsupervised access to the kitchen.
• We have a schedule for cleaning resources and equipment, dressing-up clothes and furnishings.
• The toilet area has a high standard of hygiene, including hand washing and drying facilities and disposal facilities for nappies.
• We implement good hygiene practices by:

- Cleaning tables between activities.

- Cleaning and checking toilets regularly.

- Wearing protective clothing - such as aprons and disposable gloves - as appropriate.

- Providing sets of clean clothes.

- Providing tissues and wipes. 

Activities, resources and repairs

• Before purchase or loan, we check equipment and resources to ensure that they are safe for the ages and stages of the children currently attending the setting.
• The layout of our play equipment allows adults and children to move safely and freely between activities.
• All of our equipment is regularly checked for cleanliness and safety, and any dangerous items are repaired or discarded.
• We make safe and separate from general use any areas that are unsafe because of repair is needed.
• All our materials, including paint and glue, are non-toxic.
• We ensure that sand is clean and suitable for children's play.
• Physical play is constantly supervised.
• We teach children to handle and store tools safely.
• We check children who are sleeping regularly.
• Children learn about health, safety and personal hygiene through the activities we provide and the routines we follow.
• Any faulty equipment is removed from use and is repaired. If it cannot be repaired it is discarded. Large pieces of equipment are discarded only with the consent of the manager and the management team.

Jewellery and accessories

• Our staff wear suitable jewellery that does not pose a danger to themselves or children.
• Parents must ensure that no jewellery is worn by children except for stud earrings.   
• We ensure that hair accessories are removed before children sleep or rest.

Safety of adults

• We ensure that adults are provided with guidance about the safe storage, movement, lifting and erection of large pieces of equipment.
• We provide safe equipment for adults to use when they need to reach up to store equipment.
• We ensure that all warning signs are clear and in appropriate languages.
• We ensure that adults do not remain in the building on their own.
• We record the sickness of staff and their involvement in accidents. The records are reviewed termly to identify any issues that need to be addressed.

Control of substances hazardous to health

• Our staff implement the current guidelines of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH).
• We keep a record of all substances that may be hazardous to health - such as cleaning chemicals, or gardening chemicals if used and where they are stored. 
• Hazardous substances are stored safely away from the children.
• We carry out a risk assessment for all chemicals used in the setting. This states what the risks are and what to do if they have contact with eyes or skin or are ingested. 
• We keep all cleaning chemicals in their original containers.
• We keep the chemicals used in the setting to the minimum in order to ensure health and hygiene is maintained. We do not use:

- Anti-bacterial cleaning agents, except in the toilets, nappy changing area and food preparation areas.

- Anti-bacterial spays are not used when children are nearby.

• Environmental factors are taken into account when purchasing, using and disposing of chemicals.
• All members of staff are vigilant and use chemicals safely.
• Members of staff wear protective gloves when using cleaning chemicals. 

Legal framework

• Health and Safety at Work Act (1974)
• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (1999)
• Electricity at Work Regulations (1989)
• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) (2002)
• Manual Handling Operations Regulations (1992 (As Amended 2004))
• Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations (1992)

Further guidance

• Health and Safety Law: What You Need to Know (HSE Revised 2009)
• Health and Safety Regulation…A Short Guide (HSE 2003)
• Electrical Safety and You: A Brief Guide (HSE 2012)
• Working with Substances Hazardous to Health: What You Need to Know About COSHH (HSE Revised 2009)
• Getting to Grips with Manual Handling - Frequently Asked Questions: A Short Guide (HSE 2011)

Safeguarding and Welfare Requirement: Information and Records

Providers must maintain records and obtain and share information to ensure the safe and efficient management of the setting, and to ensure the needs of all children are met.

Policy statement

We believe that children benefit most from early year’s education and care when parents and settings work together in partnership. Our aim is to support parents as their children's first and most important educators by involving them in their children's education and in the full life of our setting. We also aim to support parents in their own continuing education and personal development.

Some parents are less well represented in early year’s settings; these include fathers, parents who live apart from their children but who still play a part in their lives, as well as working parents. In carrying out the following procedures, we will ensure that all parents are included. When we refer to ‘parents’, we mean both mothers and fathers; these include both natural or birth parents, as well as step-parents and parents who do not live with their children but have contact with them and play a part in their lives. ‘Parents’ also includes same sex parents, as well as foster parents.

The Children Act (1989) defines parental responsibility as 'all the rights, duties, powers, responsibilities and authority which by law a parent of a child has in relation to the child and his property’. (For a full explanation of who has parental responsibility, refer to the Pre-school Learning Alliance publication Safeguarding Children.)

Procedures

• Parents are made to feel welcome in our setting. They are greeted appropriately and there is adult seating and provision for refreshment. 
• We have a means to ensure all parents are included - that may mean that we have different strategies for involving fathers, or parents who work or live apart from their children.
• We make every effort to accommodate parents who have a disability or impairment.
• We consult with all parents to find out what works best for them.
• We ensure on-going dialogue with parents to improve our knowledge of the needs of their children and to support their families.
• We inform all parents about how the setting is run and its policies, through access to written information and through regular informal communication. We check to ensure parents understand the information that is given to them.
• Information about a child and his or her family is kept confidential within our setting. The exception to this is where there is cause to believe that a child may be suffering, or is likely to suffer, significant harm, or where there are concerns regarding child’s development that need to be shared with another agency. We will seek parental permission unless there are reasons not to in order to protect the safety of the child. Reference is made to our Information Sharing Policy on seeking consent for disclosure.
• We seek parental consent to administer medication, take a child for emergency treatment, take a child on an outing and take photographs for the purposes of record keeping.
• The expectations that we make on parents are made clear at the point of registration.
• We make clear our expectation that parents will participate in settling their child at the commencement of a place according to an agreed plan.
• We seek parents’ views regarding changes in the delivery of our service.
• Parents are actively encouraged to participate in decision making processes according to the structure in place within our setting.
• We encourage parents to become involved in the social and cultural life of the setting and actively contribute to it.
• As far as possible our service is provided in a flexible way to meet the needs of parents without compromising the needs of children.
• We provide sufficient opportunity for parents to share necessary information with staff and this is recorded and stored to protect confidentiality.
• Our key persons regularly discuss their child’s progress with parents and to share concerns if they arise.
• Where applicable, our key persons work with parents to carry out an agreed plan to support special educational needs.
• Where applicable, our key persons work with parents to carry out any agreed tasks where a Protection Plan is in place for a child.
• We involve parents in the shared record keeping about their children - either formally or informally – and ensure parents have access to their children's written developmental records.
• We provide opportunities for parents to contribute their own skills, knowledge and interests to the activities of the setting.
• We support families to be involved in activities that promote their own learning and well-being; informing parents about relevant conferences, workshops and training.
• We consult with parents about the times of meetings to avoid excluding anyone.
• We provide information about opportunities to be involved in the setting in ways that are accessible to parents with basic skills needs, or those for whom English is an additional language; making every effort to provide an interpreter for parents who speak a language other than English and to provide translated written materials.
• We hold meetings in venues that are accessible and appropriate for all.
• We welcome the contributions of parents, in whatever form these may take.
• We inform all parents of the systems for registering queries, complaints or suggestions and we check to ensure these are understood. 
• We provide opportunities for parents to learn about the curriculum offered in the setting and about young children’s learning, in the setting and at home. There are opportunities for parents to take active roles in supporting their child’s learning in the setting: informally through helping out or taking part in activities with their child, or through structured projects engaging parents and staff in learning about children’s learning.